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Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) - Chocolate Kings CD (album) cover

CHOCOLATE KINGS

Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM)

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

3.96 | 532 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars I had been so long not listening to this legendary album by PFM. When I browse my CD shelf I found this album and I was stimulated to play this album to revisit the times in the past when rock was in its glory days. No one who follows the history of progressive music would dare to challenge the existence of this memorable album. PFM had been very unique with its music style by putting together the elements of symphonic music with the contributions of violin and keyboards (organ). The band had some similarities in style with Genesis. But the use of violin in their composition precluded that thoughts of being influence by Genesis.

"From under" (7:25) is relatively fast tempo music with multi breaks that demonstrate the virtuosity of violin work by Mauro Pagani. The music moves in energetic way that showcases excellent combination of violin, organ - played intertwiningly - backed up with rhythm section of drums, bass, and guitar. The vocal timbre of Bernardo Lanzetti sometimes reminds me to the voice of Peter Gabriel. The only different is that Bernardo never sing at low register notes. The song indicates energy and complexity but it's enjoyable. ""Harlequin" (7:40) starts mellow with nice acoustic guitar work and vocal line. The song moves faster in complex setting with powerful vocal by Bernardo. What I like about this song is that it has various styles and textures, and structurally is not straight at all.

The album title "Chocolate kings (4:45) brings the music back into full energy and drive with powerful vocal backed with keyboard based music in relatively complex arrangement. Musical segments which demonstrate the intertwining sounds of keyboard and violin are really nice and had then become the band's character. In fact, I like this song due to its varied textures, styles and changing tempos. "Out on the roundabout" (7:53) is no doubt an excellent track with stunning acoustic guitar fills and powerful vocal. The song moves into part with combined work of violin and keyboard. The keyboard /organ solo in the middle of the track is awesome. The concluding track is another excellent and memorable track "Paper charms" (8:29).

I would recommend you to purchase this album.

Gatot | 4/5 |

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